Physics – Physics Education
Scientific paper
2006-08-24
AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 883, pgs 34-37, 2007 (2006 Physics Education Research Conference)
Physics
Physics Education
To be published in the Proceedings of the Physics Education Research Conference 2006
Scientific paper
10.1063/1.2508685
We have reformed a large lecture modern physics course for engineering majors by radically changing both the content and the learning techniques implemented in lecture and homework. Traditionally this course has been taught in a manner similar to the equivalent course for physics majors, focusing on mathematical solutions of abstract problems. Based on interviews with physics and engineering professors, we developed a syllabus and learning goals focused on content that was more useful to our actual student population: engineering majors. The content of this course emphasized reasoning development, model building, and connections to real world applications. In addition we implemented a variety of PER-based learning techniques, including peer instruction, collaborative homework sessions, and interactive simulations. We have assessed the effectiveness of reforms in this course using pre/post surveys on both content and beliefs. We have found significant improvements in both content knowledge and beliefs compared with the same course before implementing these reforms and a corresponding course for physics majors.
McKagan S. B.
Perkins Katherine K.
Wieman Carl E.
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